How to Start Saving: A Practical Guide to Building Your Savings and Achieving Financial Security
- Robson Silva
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Introduction: Why is saving an essential step for your financial life?
Have you ever stopped to think that saving money isn't just about stashing coins in a piggy bank, but rather about building the foundation for your future peace of mind? Having a financial reserve is like having an umbrella ready for when it rains: it protects you in emergencies, paves the way for your dreams, and prevents headaches.
In this article, we'll explore step-by-step how to start saving , even with little money, and how to turn this habit into a life-changing practice. Get ready to learn in a simple, engaging way, with tips you can apply today.
What Does It Mean to Save Money?
Saving is putting aside a portion of what you earn instead of spending it all. It seems obvious, but this is where many people get lost.
Savings = habit of setting aside money regularly.
Financial reserve = accumulated amount used for emergencies and future plans.
👉 In other words: savings are the action, reserves are the result.
Why is Saving Important for Everyone?
Saving isn't just for those with a lot of money. In fact, those who need to learn to save most are those with limited income, as a lack of savings can turn a simple unexpected event into a major crisis.
Direct benefits of having a reservation:
Peace of mind in medical emergencies or unforeseen events.
Avoid high-interest debt.
Make dreams come true (travel, studies, own home).
Prepare for the future without relying solely on credit or external aid.
📊 Comparison table: Those who save vs. Those who don't save
Situation | Who has a reservation? | Who Has No Reservation |
Unexpected illness | Use part of the reserve | Need to take out an expensive loan |
Job loss | Can maintain expenses for a few months | He is in immediate despair |
Dream of traveling/studying | Plan and pay in cash | Postpone or resort to financing |
Mental tranquility | Live lighter | Lives worried about the future |
S
tep 1: Know Your Money
Before you start saving, you need to understand: where is your money going?
Make a simple list:
How much you earn (salary, extras, benefits).
How much you spend (fixed bills, transportation, leisure, small purchases).
📌 Practical tip: Write down everything for 30 days. You'll be surprised at how much you spend on little things like snacks and apps.
Step 2: Set a Savings Goal
Saving money without a goal is like walking without a destination. Ask yourself:
Do I want to have an emergency fund ?
Want to save for a trip ?
Do I want to save money for my children's education ?
The clearer the goal, the more motivation you will have.
Step 3: Build Your Emergency Fund
Your emergency fund should be your number one priority. It covers your basic expenses in case something unexpected happens.
🔑 Golden rule: save the equivalent of 3 to 6 months of your monthly expenses .
Example:
If you spend R$2,000 per month, your ideal reserve will be between R$6,000 and R$12,000 .
📌 You don't have to do this all at once. Start small, but start.
Step 4: Set a Realistic Savings Goal
If you earn little, you can start by saving 5% of your salary . If you earn more, you can save 20% or even 30% .
The formula is simple: Income – Expenses = Amount available to save.
If you can only save R$50 today, that's enough to get started. The important thing is consistency.
Step 5: Automate Your Savings
One of the biggest secrets to saving is not relying on daily willpower .
👉 Set up an automatic debit or scheduled transfer to your savings or investment account. This way, you "pay yourself first" before spending.
Step 6: Cut Invisible Expenses
Often, it's not a lack of money, but an excess of waste .
Examples of invisible expenses:
Subscriptions you don't use.
Frequent food orders.
Impulse purchases in apps.
💡 Strategy: Before you buy, ask yourself: “Do I need it or do I want it?”
Step 7: Use Savings for Dreams, Not Random Spending
A common mistake is saving money and then spending it without planning.
👉 Turn your savings into a tool for achievement:
Trip planned.
Entrance of a house.
Courses and training.
The more you connect your reserve to a dream, the more motivated you will be.
Step 8: Understand Where to Store Your Reservation
The traditional savings account is the most popular option, but there are other better options depending on your goals.
📊 Table: Where to store your reservation
Location | Advantage | Disadvantage |
Savings Account | Simple and accessible | It yields little |
Selic Treasury | Safe and better performance | You need to open a brokerage account. |
CDB with daily liquidity | Higher profitability than savings | May have a minimum initial value |
Piggy bank at home | Easy viewing | Risk of losing or spending quickly |
Step 9: Make Savings a Habit
Saving shouldn't be a boring task, but a natural habit.
Tips for maintaining consistency:
Set small goals and celebrate each achievement.
Set challenges (e.g., save R$1 on the first day of the month, R$2 on the second, and so on).
Involve the family and make it a collective goal.
Step 10: Learn to Differentiate Savings from Investments
Saving is the first step, but after you've built up your savings, you need to learn how to invest.
Save = save for safety.
Investing = multiplying money in the long term.
Never confuse: first the reserve, then the investments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I start saving even if I earn minimum wage?
Yes! Even with R$20 a month, you build discipline. The value grows over time.
2. Is savings safe?
Yes, but there are better options such as Treasury Selic and CDBs from large banks.
3. How much should I have in my reserve?
The ideal is between 3 and 6 months of your living expenses.
Conclusion: Your Savings is Your Freedom
Saving doesn't mean giving up on life; it's learning to live more intelligently. Every dollar saved is a step toward financial peace of mind.
Remember:
Start small, but start today.
Have clear goals.
Make saving a habit.
With discipline and patience, your financial reserve will grow and become the shield that protects you and your family in any situation.